VanArts was founded in 1995 with Academy-Award winning animator/director Lee Mishkin as its program director. Mr. Mishkin, with the assistance of other professional animators delivered our Classical (2D) Animation program. Two years later, VanArts added Computer (3D) Animation and in July 2000 gained full accreditation status from the Private Post-Secondary Education Commission of British Columbia (currently called PCTIA).

Over the next few years the curriculum expanded to include other one-year diploma programs; Game Art & Design and Visual Effects, keeping pace with the tremendous demand for talent in these industries. In 2006, the Digital Photography Diploma Program was added, making it the first of its kind in North America.

On January 1, 2008 VanArts expanded its curriculum to include the performing arts by absorbing the professional acting programs offered by the William Davis Centre for Actors' Study. The Centre was founded by well-known actor, director and teacher William B. Davis and has been training actors in Vancouver since 1989.

Beginning September 2, 2008 VanArts will further expand its curriculum by adding diploma programs in Interior Design and Graphic Design. These new programs have been developed by design professionals in their respective fields with the intent to help students launch successful careers.

The management and distinguished faculty of VanArts are committed to expanding the Institute's curriculum for the visual, performing and applied arts, to stay current with industry trends and changes in technology. This includes having state-of-the art 24/7 facilities available to its international student body.